Spain Triumphs 2-1 Over Belgium: Mikel Merino Shines Again with Late Winner After Man Utd's Senne Lammens' Debut Blunder

SPAIN set up a semi-final showdown with France at the World Cup thanks to Mikel Merino’s dramatic late winner against Belgium.

The Arsenal star pounced on a spill by Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens to fire home in the 88th minute.

Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Quarter Final – Spain v Belgium – Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California, U.S. – July 10, 2026 Spain’s Mikel Merino celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach Credit: Reuters Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Quarter Final – Spain v Belgium – Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California, U.S. – July 10, 2026 Spain’s Mikel Merino scores their second goal past Belgium’s Senne Lammens IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Gary Vasquez Credit: Reuters INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 10: Mikel Merino 6 of Spain celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Spain and Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium on July 10, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Maja Hitij – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) Credit: Getty Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Quarter Final – Spain v Belgium – Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California, U.S. – July 10, 2026 Belgium’s Senne Lammens is helped up by Timothy Castagne after Spain’s Mikel Merino scored their second goal REUTERS/Daniel Cole Credit: Reuters

Lammens replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois – who left the field in tears in the 71st minute.

And it was Spain’s super-sub Merino who had the last laugh again with his late winner in Los Angeles.

Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute before Charles De Ketelaere levelled things up at the break.

Merino scored a 91st-minute winner against Portugal last time out.

And he was the hero again as the Euro 2024 winners booked a spot in the semi-finals against France in Dallas on Tuesday.

More to follow

Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute Credit: AP The PSG midfielder tucked home a rebound and then ran off to celebrate Credit: Alamy Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to head in Belgium’s equaliser Credit: Reuters Charles De Ketelaere’s goal rocked Spain just before half-time in Los Angeles Credit: Getty Thibaut Courtois left the pitch in tears during the second half Credit: Shutterstock Editorial He was replaced by Man Utd goalkeeper Senne Lammes Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Spain set up a semi-final showdown against France with a late winner in Los Angeles Credit: Reuters Kevin De Bruyne in action for Belgium in the midday Los Angeles sun Credit: Reuters Penelope Cruz and Brad Pitt were in attendance at Los Angeles Stadium Credit: Getty